Category: Our Events

Local author Randy Ray will be in the store on Saturday, January 27 from 12:00-2:00pm to sign copies of his new book about the early Canadian folk, pop, and rock pioneers, As the Years Go By….

From the jacket:
“Anyone who grew up in Canada in the 1950s, ’60s and 70s, knows how amazing this country’s music scene was in those magical decades. Etched in our musical memories are great tunes, TV appearances and live shows featuring The Diamonds, Lighthouse, Steppenwolf, Mashmakhan, Patsy Gallant, Bobby Curtola, Susan Jacks, Moxy and Michel Pagliaro, among many others.

Based on hundreds of interviews [this book is] an inside look at the trials and triumphs, good times and bad encountered by performers, managers and producers, including many who hit the big time. The years may have gone by but the memories linger.”

It’s Twelve Days of Penguin Random House Christmas time again!

Starting on Wednesday, December 13 and carrying us through to Sunday, December 24, we will be featuring one Penguin Random House title each day at 30% off!

Here’s this year’s list:

Local author Francois Mai will be in the store on Thursday, November 30 from 6:00-8:00pm to launch his new novel Father, Unknown.

About the book:

“Father, Unknown is a beautifully crafted novel of a family struggling to survive before, during, and after the French revolution. It is a story of courage, devotion, mystery, and betrayal, set against the dramatic backdrop of the harrowing and violent days that accompanied the creation of the Republic under Maximillien Robespierre. Through Francois Mai’s powerful gift of description, one almost feels the bite of the guillotine, along with the tragic consequences of the revolution on the French people.”

Be sure to come by the store to meet Francois, have a chat, enjoy some yummy snacks, and buy a book or two!

Local author, consultant, and historian, Bob Plamondon will be in the store on Sunday, November 26 from 2:00-4:00pm to sign copies of his new book about Jean Chretien, The Shawinigan Fox. Uncovering some of the truths and misconceptions about this often controversial Prime Minister, this new political biography is a must-add for your Christmas wish list!

About the book:
“Jean Chrétien’s critics have said he was a man with no vision and a short attention span — a small-town hick who stumbled his way to become Canada’s 20th prime minister. Whatever credit the Chrétien government deserved was often given to Paul Martin, the heir apparent who was touted to be the brains behind the operation.

But while Chretien was the subject of ridicule, he was quietly giving his competitors — both inside and outside of the Liberal party — a master class in politics, leadership, and nation-building.

Until now, the story of Chretien’s time as prime minister has been largely misunderstood. Plamondon sets the record straight and provides compelling lessons about political leadership and problem-solving from a critical chapter in Canadian history.”

Join us on Sunday, December 3 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm to meet former local Olympian, Claire Smith. She has written a memoir entitled Falling Into Now: Memories of Sport, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Education which tells the story of her recovery from a brain injury sustained when she fell from her horse at an international competition.

Claire’s memoir captivates readers with its heart-wrenching description of her life during the first three years of her recovery. When she realized she had no choice but to relinquish her equestrian identity, her journey became one of reinvention. She eventually went on to compete in triathlons and ran several half marathons, before losing her power to run and ride because of Dystonia.

Claire’s compelling story is one of loss intermingled with achievement, and is sure to engage and inspire readers of all ages.

For more information, visit Claire’s website:
http://www.clairesmith-author.ca/

On Saturday, November 25, we have a very special treat planned for you! Two authors from the newly-minted Ottawa publishing house, Dog-Eared Books will be in the store to promote their newest releases. Be sure to come by to meet Tanis Browning-Shelp and Larry McCloskey who will be signing their new teen novels. Copies of their fellow writer, Susan Prosser‘s newest non-fiction release will be available as well, though Susan is unable to join us in person.

It’s going to be a great event, so we hope to see you here!

Dog-Eared Books is an independent Ottawa book publisher whose mission is to make books with good stories, strong characters, and positive themes. The publishing house has released three new titles this fall:

Crushed by Tanis Browning-Shelp
Second in the Maryn O’Brien Series, teen mountain biking sensation Maryn O’Brien is going all out as she closes in on her goal of racing in the Olympics. But then love enters her life and she finds herself at a crossroads.

The Dog Who Cried Snake by Larry McCloskey
Life is never easy on the street, especially during the coldest week of a cold winter, in one of the coldest capitals in the world. Mickey, a feisty old woman, and her dog Max get by on the street, determined to solve the mysterious death of a friend and save their pals.

Growing Home by Susan Prosser
Growing Home is a self help book designed to encourage readers to live their lives in self awareness, self love and self compassion so that they can grow to become their best and truest selves in order to live healthier lives and extend their compassion and goodwill to others.

Local favourite, Mark Curfoot-Mollington is back with a second novel for us all to enjoy! Be sure to come to the store on Saturday, October 28 from 11:00am to 1:00pm to meet Mark and hear all about his new heroine (and book of the same name), Alice MacKenzie.

Growing up, every child has at least one teacher during their school career whom they secretly think is a spy. For Alice MacKenzie’s students, that assumption turns out to actually be the truth. When a cartel with roots in terrorism and white supremacy crops up on NATO’s radar, Alice is once again drawn into a world of danger, violence, and usnpeakable acts. Along with a retired colonel, a young Pakistani-Canadian girl, and an elderly British woman, Alice must come to grips with her past and face this new threat head-on if any of them are going to have a future.

Set in a world of secrets, spies, and cartels, Alice MacKenzie is a thrill ride not to be missed!

The popular facebook page Lost Ottawa now has a book! Officially launching on Sunday, October 22 from 12:00-2:00pm, Lost Ottawa has been flying off our shelves!

Put together by local archivist and historian, David McGee, Lost Ottawa is a wonderful book full of old photographs and fascinating historical notes – a real treat for any local history buff!

We hope to see you this weekend! Snacks and refreshments will be served!